JUST IN: Colorado Avalanche key man was suspended today from first half, card Cale Makar with a career ending report

Colorado Avalanche fans are fortunate to watch elite talent take the ice every night. Nathan MacKinnon is arguably the best player in the world right now, and newcomer Martin Nečas has been outstanding since joining the team.

Between the pipes, MacKenzie Blackwood has been a brick wall since arriving, while Scott Wedgewood has been solid in relief.

On defense, one name stands above the rest: superstar Cale Makar.

The Calgary native has been a force since entering the league, quickly building an impressive résumé that includes a Norris Trophy, a Calder Trophy, and a Stanley Cup since 2020.

Makar hasn’t slowed down—if anything, he’s getting better. He already has 22 goals this season, surpassing last year’s total in 20 fewer games. For context, he finished last season with 90 points.

Beyond scoring, Makar continues to elevate his teammates. The 26-year-old has racked up 41 assists and boasts a plus-18 rating, meaning he’s been on the ice for 18 more goals for than against—all while playing on the penalty kill.

Speaking of the penalty kill, Makar has set a career high with two shorthanded goals this season and has matched his personal best with nine power-play goals. His 12.6% shooting percentage is the highest of his career, and he’s logging a career-high 25:49 of ice time per game.

Defensively, Makar continues to make an impact. He has 91 blocked shots this season—the third-most in his career—which might make Avalanche fans nervous given the injury risks. He’s also delivered 41 hits, putting him on pace for one of his best seasons in that category.

Makar is starting possessions in the defensive zone 37.8% of the time, the second-highest rate of his career, making his offensive production even more impressive.

His puck possession stats further illustrate his dominance. His Corsi For percentage (a measure of shots, blocks, and misses) is 56.6%, meaning the Avalanche control the puck the majority of the time he’s on the ice. Similarly, his Fenwick For percentage, which tracks shots and misses, stands at 55.9%.

Simply put, Makar is invaluable to the Avalanche. He is the premier defenseman in the NHL and continues to rewrite the record books. If he maintains this season’s pace, he’ll set career highs in both goals and assists. The Avalanche cannot afford to lose him, and his dynamic play makes them a legitimate threat every night.